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Does Extreme Stress During Pregnancy Harm The Fetus?

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Posted on Wed, 9 Sep 2015
Question: i am 15 weeks pregnant today, for 2 days I got really really mad I was shouting and yelling hestrically, dealling with frustrations and emotionally abusive person constantly, how can I make sure my baby is not hurt I am taking my pregnacare plus, calcium & vitamin D supplements on time. Done my last ultrasound 4 days ago everything was normal I did the NT test everything was normal. I am feeling my heart is pumping loud but no bleeding or contractions thank god. How to make sure my baby is fine ?
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Answered by Dr. Jacqueline Brown (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
There is nothing to worry about- stress does not harm the baby

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.

Contrary to what many people believe, stress does not cause miscarriages or any complications during pregnancy. I am more concerned about your physical well being and I hope the situation you were fighting about does not mean that there is violence in your home or any situation that puts your life at risk.

There is no reason that you need to check the baby as long as you have no bleeding or pain, but the way to make sure that the baby is OK is to have the heartbeat checked. You can go to a hospital to do this, or you can call your OB doctor or midwife and they might be able to see you soon. But again, fighting verbally (as long as no one hits you in your belly) is not harmful to the baby.

I hope your home situation improves so your household will be a gentle and stable environment when the baby comes. Please, if your partner is at all physically abusive to you, please do not tolerate this as domestic violence tends to get worse during pregnancy. You can confide in your OB provider and they may be able to refer you to a counselor or social worker (these services are available in the U.S. or there may be community programs where you live. Abuse should not be tolerated and certainly it is not a good environment to raise a baby.

I hope I adequately answered your question and that my advice was helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact me further if you have any further questions or concerns.

Best wishes for the rest of your pregnancy.

Sincerely, Dr. Brown
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Jacqueline Brown

OBGYN

Practicing since :1996

Answered : 1425 Questions

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Does Extreme Stress During Pregnancy Harm The Fetus?

Brief Answer: There is nothing to worry about- stress does not harm the baby Detailed Answer: Hello, and I hope I can help you today. Contrary to what many people believe, stress does not cause miscarriages or any complications during pregnancy. I am more concerned about your physical well being and I hope the situation you were fighting about does not mean that there is violence in your home or any situation that puts your life at risk. There is no reason that you need to check the baby as long as you have no bleeding or pain, but the way to make sure that the baby is OK is to have the heartbeat checked. You can go to a hospital to do this, or you can call your OB doctor or midwife and they might be able to see you soon. But again, fighting verbally (as long as no one hits you in your belly) is not harmful to the baby. I hope your home situation improves so your household will be a gentle and stable environment when the baby comes. Please, if your partner is at all physically abusive to you, please do not tolerate this as domestic violence tends to get worse during pregnancy. You can confide in your OB provider and they may be able to refer you to a counselor or social worker (these services are available in the U.S. or there may be community programs where you live. Abuse should not be tolerated and certainly it is not a good environment to raise a baby. I hope I adequately answered your question and that my advice was helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact me further if you have any further questions or concerns. Best wishes for the rest of your pregnancy. Sincerely, Dr. Brown